The 2024 MLB trade deadline is now just hours away as teams scramble to improve their roster for the stretch run or look toward the future.
One of the most popular names speculated as a trade piece has been Detroit Tigers’ ace Tarik Skubal. If dealt, he would be arguably the most valuable player to be traded since Juan Soto was moved from the Washington Nationals to the San Diego Padres, and the most valuable pitcher to be dealt in recent memory.
Because of his talent, age and team control, Skubal would be widely coveted in a deal, and the Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles were among the teams who checked in on his cost.
However, rival executives feel there’s no chance a deal for Skubal gets done, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
“They ain’t trading him,” one rival executive said of the Tigers.
“No chance they move him,” said another.
Skubal not being traded would be the most likely outcome, and one that shouldn’t surprise anyone. It was always a long shot he would be dealt, but it was right of the Tigers to listen on offers and teams to check in on a potential deal.
The Dodgers and Orioles reportedly made their best efforts to talk the Tigers into a deal, and while there’s always a possibility a deal does come together before the trade deadline, it seems both clubs will be unsuccessful in their pursuit.
The 27-year-old is under team control through the 2026 season, which doesn’t make a trade at the deadline necessary.
Skubal broke out in a limited number of appearances during the 2023 season and has continued to build on that success this year.
Overall this season, he’s pitched to a 2.35 ERA, 2.57 FIP and 0.92 WHIP over 130 innings with a 30% strikeout rate to a 4.7% walk rate.
Since the start of the 2023 season, he’s posted a 2.52 ERA and 2.35 FIP in 210.1 innings, striking out 31.1% of hitters and walking 4.6%.
Dodgers options other than Tarik Skubal
With a Skubal trade unlikely, the Dodgers could focus on acquiring Garret Crochet from the Chicago White Sox or Skubal’s teammate Jack Flaherty. Both would be significant upgrades to a group that is in need of top-end talent.
An impact starting pitcher has seemed to be at the top of the Dodgers’ wish list, so it would be surprising if they don’t land one ahead of the July 30, 3 p.m. PT deadline.
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